Kazakhstan's National Bank has recently decided to increase its benchmark interest rate from 14.25% to 15.25%. This unexpected move by the central bank is in response to concerns about the depreciation of the national currency, the tenge, and the potential inflationary pressures it may cause.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg were surprised by this decision, as they had predicted no change in the interest rate. However, the adjustment reflects the central bank's proactive approach to addressing economic instability that may arise from currency fluctuations and inflation.